Public Conversations to Tackle Loneliness
Starting Monday 19 October 2026, public spaces across Barcelona and other Spanish cities will host 'tables against unwanted loneliness' as part of the third annual Week against Unwanted Loneliness, running until 25 October. The initiative, promoted by Solidaritat Sant Joan de Déu and shared via Instagram accounts @solidaritatsjd and @santjoandedeu_cat, aims to spark open dialogue and strengthen social bonds in everyday settings. According to the State Observatory on Unwanted Loneliness (SoledadES) 2024 report, 20% of people in Spain feel lonely, a condition affecting all ages and backgrounds, not just older adults. The campaign treats loneliness as a preventable and reversible social emergency, with the goal of making it visible and addressable through small, accessible actions.
Barcelona and Baix Llobregat Events
The first event takes place on Monday 19 October at 10:30 in Plaça de la Universitat, Barcelona. The following day, Tuesday 20 October, activities move to Rambla de Sants at 10:00, where attendees can join a musical bingo session hosted by Avismón. That same day, a pop-up 'Museum of Unwanted Loneliness' opens at 11:00 at the FAD SJD offices, created by trainees in sociosanitary care. On Wednesday 21 October, events are scheduled in Plaça de Sarrià (9:00), Sant Boi de Llobregat (Plaça de la República, 11:00), and Almacelles (Plaça del Poble, 10:00). Cornellà de Llobregat joins on Tuesday 20 October at 10:00 on Carrer de Vicenç Llivina, number 1.
Events Across Catalonia and Spain
Lleida hosts its gathering on Wednesday 21 October at 17:00 in Pati de les Comèdies. Mont-roig del Camp offers a unique 'laundrette conversation' on Thursday 22 October at 17:30, though the exact address is not specified. Manresa concludes the week’s activities on Friday 23 October at 10:00 in Plaça Neus Catalana. Zaragoza will hold five consecutive morning events from 19 to 23 October, starting at 9:00 each day in locations including Passeig de Cuéllar, Plaça de Reina Sofía, Plaça de la Seo, Avinguda de Gómez Avellaneda 55, and Plaça de San Francisco. Palma de Mallorca hosts a session on Monday 19 October at 10:00 in Plaça de Pau Casals. Inca joins on Tuesday 20 October at 10:00 in Plaça d'Espanya. Santander will hold meetings on 19 and 20 October in Plaça del Ayuntamiento, though exact times are not confirmed.
How to Get Involved
No registration is required. The campaign encourages anyone to sit down, talk, and listen, regardless of prior connections. The hashtag #TrencaLaSoledat promotes participation, and full details are available at TrencaLaSoledat.org, the official campaign website.
"A conversation around a table can break loneliness. Come and talk with people supported by our centres and other organisations!"
What This Means for You
Residents, students, and visitors across multiple cities can join free, drop-in events between 19 and 23 October. Whether passing through or seeking connection, the tables offer a low-pressure way to engage. For those concerned about isolation, personally or in their community, these events provide a tangible starting point. Check TrencaLaSoledat.org for updates and exact locations.
Primary sources: eb.ub.edu. Reported by catalunyapress.es, solidaritat.santjoandedeu.org, CatalunyaPress.
